One week, De Vries is incredibly linked with a permanent seat in Formula 1 at Williams, the next it seems that the Dutchman is not really a candidate at the Grove-based racing stable. Auto, Motor und Sport writes during the Italian Grand Prix weekend that De Vries is definitely still on the list. Possibly even Alpine has now become an option for De Vries.

According to the reputable German medium, De Vries has been promoted to Williams by Mercedes, where he is active as a test and reserve driver. Mercedes, as engine supplier to Williams, has its finger in the pie, but how big that finger is nobody knows exactly.

Confidence in De Vries

It says a lot, however, that De Vries has already taken part in three free practice sessions this year. That the driver from Sneek joined Aston Martin on Friday may have something to do with the fact that Aston Martin doesn't really have a junior driver, but Mercedes as engine supplier can simply claim that spot and give it to De Vries.

Mercedes has a lot of confidence in De Vries and supports him wherever possible to win a Formula 1 seat. The competition is fierce though, as Nicholas Latifi has a bigger wallet and with Logan Sargeant, Williams also has its own junior who is doing well in Formula 2.

Alpine and De Vries

Auto, Motor und Sport also knows that De Vries was seen in an Alpine motorhome during the Dutch Grand Prix. They write that 'negotiators of both parties meet suspiciously often'. The French team is still looking for a replacement for the departed Fernando Alonso. Other candidates for that seat are Pierre Gasly, Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher.